Taylor Kitsch, a co-star of NBC’s Friday Night Lights, was born in Canada and is a huge hockey fan. He Co-hosted the NHL Rockin’ Skate 2008, Presented by Upper Deck, has been featured in modeling campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch and Diesel, and has appeared in films including John Tucker Must Die and Snakes on a Plane. Kitsch was a celebrity judge at this year’s Dodge/NHL SuperSkills breakaway competition.

  

Hi hockey fans,

 

I’m working in Australia for a few months so I’m missing being there for the playoffs and wanted to at least throw up a blog. The NHL sent me some sample question so I thought I’d just roll with a few them – please excuse the odd tangents. Here we go… 

Who are your favorite hockey players?
Let’s start with the best – Steve Yzerman. He’s been my idol since I can remember and I finally met him this past year. He’s an amazing presence, and from talking to some of the Red Wings, the current guys Like Phaneuf, he’s a good guy. He’s great in ALL aspects of the game. Same with Iginla – great leader and better person. Ovechkin is fun to watch (effin Flyers!!!). I wanted Washington to go through. He’s so explosive and you can literally see how much he loves to play the game. Sid is also right up there. Spezza and Thornton are super skilled guys who I enjoy watching…I had an up-close deal during the All-Star game to see these guys and they are something else.


Do you remember your first hockey game?
Na. I don’t remember my first game. I can remember my dad holding me though and skating around the rink before I could skate. I had to have been three or four years old. I remember skating out in the backyard pond as well with the bros & neighborhood kids. I also remember cursing them violently for making me shovel the snow off the rink, and of course having to strap on the foamy pads…


What do you love the most about the game of hockey?
It’s all in one. That’s what makes it the sport it is. You’re doing all that at any given moment. The rate you have to think and react is incredible. I do think the size of these guys and the speed of the game is what really makes it the sport it is…every shift you have to be ready for anything. I have to say that it has so much to do with the person I am…growing up with all the ups and downs and the team-building. Or the moments in rookie camp when I was 15 playing with guys up to 20 years old and choosing to fight for the first time or skate away in front of your bench and 2,500 fans in a little barn in the Kootenays….that’s what shapes ya…


Anything can be going on in my life, good or bad, but when I’m skating around with the guys and playing, that’s when I feel more myself than any other time.


If you had the Cup for one day, what would you do with it?
I would celebrate with the people that helped get me there – family, friends, old coaches and mates…maybe take it to the lake for a few hours. I would just share the experience as much as possible.


What do you love most about playoff hockey?
Ahhh the playoff atmosphere. Never say die. Win at all costs. Whatever it takes. Sacrifice – (My best memory is seeing Yzerman use his stick to get himself up when he was playing basically with one leg). Discipline. If you know any more clichés, let me know. The thing that makes it is the stakes in the game. EVERY play counts. You’re in a war with one team. And probably the best cliché of them all: “Where heroes are made.” You’ve got to love that one. I really do feel it separates the regular players from the special ones…for the right reasons. And of course the fans…nothing beats being at a live playoff game…singing the anthems, etc.


Anyway, that’s it for now. Throw me some feedback and don’t hesitate to agree or disagree. Go Senators in 09!!!! Cheers.


‘No Regrets,’


TKITSCH.